Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
Education: BS in Chemistry, Stanford University
Select Credits: Here're are some of my favorites: THE MYSTERIES (The Flea Theater, Dir. Ed Iskandar); ONE HEART FOR TWO (Winkel & Balktick’s Laboratory, Dir. Simón Hanukai); THESE SEVEN SICKNESSES (The Flea Theater, Dir. Ed Iskandar); STOP THE VIRGENS (St. Ann’s Warehouse, Dir. Adam Rapp); #SERIALS@THEFLEA (The Flea Theater); THE WILD PARTY (Dir. Merritt Forrest Baer)
Why theater?: Acting has always fascinated me and fed my imagination. Simply by playing pretend, I get to challenge, to touch, and to entertain people; and I find that extremely fun and gratifying. Not to mention, the community that theater builds is unique and wonderful.
Who do you play in Quiet Peninsula?: Lauraine, a Detroit police officer, who is waiting for the fallout from a big mistake.
Tell us about Quiet Peninsula: It tells three stories that focus on power and it's abuse. On a deeper level, I'd say it gives nuance to characters who tend to be pigeonholed by society.
What is it like being a part of Quiet Peninsula?: I am tickled pink to dive into a show that asks hard questions and demands so much of my acting skills. Not to mention, the production team and cast are amazingly talented and lovely to work with. It's really a pleasure.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: As an actor, I am always inspired by honesty and vulnerability on stage. I really love the work of Andrew Scott, Richard McCabe, and Dawn French. And I'm drawn to shows that tackle tough subjects (like Ruined) and that juxtapose comedy and tragedy (like August Osage County or any Chekhov play). I also love the TV show Slings and Arrows, which never fails to encourage and inspire me as an artist.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Before I die, I'd love to tackle the mom in Next to Normal, Lady MacBeth, and Mary Tyrone from Long Day's Journey into the Night. And Sevan Greene (www.sevangreene.com), who is one of my favorite up-and-coming playwrights, has written several characters that I would love to play.
What’s your favorite showtune?:"There's a World" from Next to Normal... or "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dream Girls.... or "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd".... or "Make me Happy" from Lippa's The Wild Party...
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: In my wildest dreams: Ian McKellen, or Martin Freeman, or Maggie Smith
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I'm gonna go with Dawn French to play me and it'd be called "Will Work For Chocolate"
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I always recommend anything at The Public. So, King Lear right now!
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Don't judge me: it's usually the score to either "The Avengers", "Thor", "Chronicles of Narnia", "Dark Knight", or "X-Men: First Class". (I listen to action movie soundtracks when I workout ...and sometimes I imagine I'm a superhero on a treadmill.)
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: DARK CHOCOLATE! Or spending hours at the gym when I should being doing more important things.
What’s up next?: After The Fringe, I'll be performing in #Serials@TheFlea, which is a popular late night show, involving hot new NYC writers and directors. And then in September, I have my annual family reunion at the Monterey Jazz Festival, where I get to relax for a weekend, stuff my face with soul food, and listen to amazing jazz.
For more on Lauren, visit http://www.laurenhayes.info/